‘Returning To Invest In Nigeria:’ Dabiri-Erewa Welcomes 27 Diasporans Home At 4th Door Of Return

Eko Hot Blog reports that at least 27 African diasporans were welcomed home over the weekend in Badagry, Lagos State.

The diasporans witnessed and participated physically at the 4th Edition of the Diaspora Door of Return Festival.

The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and Initiator of Badagry Door of Return, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the event.

According to the NIDCOM boss, the key thing is “to see children and great grand children of our ancestors return to their roots to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.”

Addressing the returnees, Dabiri-Erewa said, “The whole of Badagry is happy to receive you. We want to open Nigeria to the world through our brothers and sisters whose fore-fathers were taken away into captivity as slaves.”

“As we open the 4th Door of Return, we believe, Nigeria has too many treasures and history that should be opened up to the world,” she continued.

“The Returnees want to invest in Nigeria. They want to build a Diaspora plaza in Badagry.”

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, pledged his total support and endorsement for the success of the Festival, promising to make Badagry the centerpiece of tourism, recreation and relaxation in Nigeria.

The Grand Finale started with a boat ride through the Slave route to the Point of No Return, culminating at the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, reminding them of the excruciating experiences of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

“The returnees returned as Kings and Queens as the Door was symbolically opened to them as sons and daughters of their homeland, Nigeria,” a statement issued by NIDCOM spokesperson, Gabriel Odu said.

The Badagry Diaspora Door of Return started in 2017 through the initiatives of Dabiri-Erewa and Dr Babatunde Mesewaku, reputed as the first PhD holder from the Diaspora and Transnational Studies Programme, Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan (UI).

The festival is aimed at galvanizing and reconnecting the historic African Diaspora to their roots-homeland, as well as give true perspectives to perceived stereotypes about the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.